Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

Happy Monday, everyone! I’m excited to be kicking off the week by sharing with you about a new (and free!) e-book that I am a part of — The Cooking For Comfort E-Cookbook!

I am honored to be joining with The National Pork Board on this collaborative project, which features recipes from a bunch of talented bloggers, Chef Michelle Bernstein (James Beard Award Winner), and Ray Lampe (BBQ expert), and others. In a nutshell, this free e-cookbook is true to its name, and is comfort food at its finest. There are recipes ranging from Cassie’s Sweet Potato & Maple Sausage Breakfast Skillet, to Lauren’s biscuits and gravy, Jenny’s Bacon Pesto Mac & Cheese, and so many more.

The first of my two contributions to this cookbook goes out to my Dad — this Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops recipe.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has loved pork chops.

And let me tell you, he can also grill a darn good pork chop. I remember even during freezing winters growing up, when it was “pork chop” night, my dad would happily bundle up and head out to the grill and sear them up to juicy perfection. While my mom, sister, and I — of course — stayed in the comfort of the warm kitchen to make sides, toppings, etc. Then we would all sit down to a delicious dinner together to enjoy it all.

Not much has changed since I was a kid. Dad still loves pork chops. And I still prefer to be inside (especially this chilly week!) rather than manning the grill during the winter comfort food months.

So for my pork contribution to the e-cookbook, I decided to make this Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops recipe. Although my version can be made entirely indoors in a good ol’ skillet. (That’s my kind of comfort!)

And let me assure you, this one’s a good one. Thick, juicy pork chops are seared to perfection. And then they are topped with a creamy, sweet and cinnamon-y topping of sauteed apples and onions. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s full of sweet and savory flavors, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Directions:

Generously season the chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Immediately add the pork chops and cook until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Let chops rest for 3 minutes.

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Immediately add the apples and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon and cayenne. Stir in the apple cider and cream. Add the pork chops, nestling them into the liquid, and cook until the internal temperature of the pork reaches between 145 degrees F. (medium rare), with a 3-minute rest, and 160 degrees F. (medium), 3 to 4 minutes per side.

If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #gimmesomeoven. I'd love to see what you cook!

Disclaimer: This is a compensated sponsored post from the National Pork Board. All opinions are 100% my own as always, and I’m honored to be a part of the project. Thank you for supporting the brands which help make this blog possible! :)

If you’re reading this entry — you HAVE to make these! So delicious! I finished the cooking in my crock pot instead of back in the pan; four hours on high plus almost two on low resulted in seriously falling-apart-so-tender chops.

WOW!! I made this for dinner tonight with a baked sweet potato and steamed broccoli, it was such a home run she said, “can we have that again next week too?”
Thank you!! I was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity and perfect flavor combinations!!

The German kid in me that grew up on a meat and potatoes diet is feeling very nostalgic right now – in the best possible way! I feel like I forget about pork sometimes when I’m considering dinner options (except for bacon, because no one forgets about bacon), and this post reminds me how delicious it can be! Sounds like I should check out the ebook too…

I just discovered your blog yesterday and I spent the entire day on it! After much deliberation on which of your great recipes I wanted to try first I settled on this. I was not disappointed at all! I cannot wait for my lunch hour so that I can eat the leftovers! A I know that your blog will inspire the majority of my meals going forward (especially as I embark on a gluten free lifestyle next year). Also HECK YES to shopping at Aldi I have been loyal to it for years! Kudos Chica, you rock!

My husband would love this! Unfortunately, I don’t eat pork. I know I could just divide the recipe for a single serving, but we work opposite schedules and it’d be great for him to have a delicious meal for several days. Does this reheat well?